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Monday, September 27, 2010

Tufted Slipcovers

I have an old swivel rocker in my workroom that I sit in when I have to do some hand sewing. I picked it up for a few dollars with the idea of slipcovering it. That was nine years ago! Can you believe I've been looking at that ugly old thing all this time? You know how it is - after awhile you just don't notice it; it's part of the scenery.

Well, I finally got around to doing something about it. I found some pretty matelasse fabric that I just loved and decided to use a coordinating plaid for the buttons and welt. Looks a little better, doesn't it? I think it's really cute! It looks so homey and comfy.

I've developed a technique that allows tufted furniture to be slipcovered without sacrificing the style of the tufted back. The slipcover snaps in place over the original buttons to keep the inner back from becoming loose and baggy. The slipcover mimics the style of the original upholstery perfectly.

Matelasse is great for slipcovers. I prewash it before fabricating, and it exhibits very little shrinkage. The slipcovers are washable and come out of the washer looking like new.

I know I am a little late to this party...but I am learning to make slipcovers & I am interested in the technique you used when you say "snapped" to the covered buttons. Can you explain what you mean by that ? I am really curious. Your workmanship is beautiful.

If you'll go to the online gallery for my workroom business at www.lesliefehlingdesigns.com and click on the "Tufted slipcover instructions" album (at the bottom of the page), you will find step-by-step directions for how I make tufted slipcovers, and it shows how to snap the cover onto the chair. You might also enjoy looking at the "Slipcovers" album for more creative slipcover ideas.

Hello! I am interested in the instructions for a tufted slipcover. The site does not seem to be live anymore. Are the instructions listed anywhere else? If not, any chance you could email them to me or list them in these comments? Thanks!

Hi! I’m Leslie, a painter who also enjoys sewing, cooking, gardening, and travel. I’m an Everyday Artist, inspired by the world around me, and I enjoy sharing my projects and connecting with others here on my blog. I love blue skies and hydrangeas, good books and dark chocolate, porch swings, my family, and lace curtains blowing in the breeze. I try to remember that this life is a gift, each moment a wonder, and that I really do need to stop and smell the roses.